Prognostic factors for children with Hodgkin's disease treated with combined-modality therapy

Malignant and Benign Head and Neck Tumors of the Pediatric Age: A Narrative Review

Malignant tumors of the head and neck are rare in children, but it is important to know these lesions and identify them early in order to have a good outcome for these patients. Benign lesions of the head and neck are much more frequent and have an excellent prognosis. For this reason, it is necessary to recognize the warning signs and symptoms and understand when to refer the patient to a reference center for the treatment of these pathologies. The clinical presentation of both benign and malignant lesions in children may be similar as usually, both categories have compressive effects. This confirms the fact that the clinical diagnosis is not sufficient and always requires instrumental investigations and biopsies. In this narrative review, we analyzed both malignant lesions such as lymphoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, thyroid tumors, salivary gland tumors, neuroblastoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and benign ones such as cystic dermoid teratoma, hemangioma, juvenile angiofibroma and fibrosis dysplasia. Indeed, we set out to discuss the most common lesions of this site by evaluating their characteristics to highlight the differentiation of malignant tumors from benign lesions and their correct clinical-therapeutic management. A literature search was carried out in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases to identify all narrative reviews addressing malignant and benign head and neck tumors of the pediatric age. In conclusion, the care of children affected by head and neck benign lesions and malignancy must be combined and multidisciplinary. It is essential to recognize the diseases early in order to differentiate and intervene as soon as possible for the correct clinical-therapeutic management.

Outcome and toxicity of ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide versus gemcitabine and vinorelbine regimen for pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma

Background

Pediatric classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) is a curable disease; however, the optimal salvage regimen is unclear for relapsed/refractory (R/R) disease. This study aimed to compare response rates, toxicity, event-free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS) of ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (ICE) with gemcitabine and vinorelbine (GV) regimen after first-line doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine (ABVD) in pediatric patients with R/R CHL.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of 132 pediatric patients with R/R CHL treated from July 2012 to December 2020 with ICE (n = 82) or GV (n = 50).

Results

The median age at relapse was 13.9 years, and 68.2% were men. Rates of complete response, partial response, and progressive disease before consolidation were 50.6%, 3.7%, and 45.7% for ICE and 28.5%, 0%, and 71.5% for GV (P = 0.011). By multivariate analysis, regimen (P = 0.002), time to relapse (P = 0.0001), and B-symptoms (P = 0.002) were independent factors to lower response rates. Hematological toxicity, electrolyte disturbance, hemorrhagic cystitis, infectious complications, and hospital admission for fever neutropenia were statistically significant higher for the ICE regimen. Treatment-related mortalities were 2.4% for ICE and 2% for GV (P = 0.86). The 3-year EFS was 39.3% ± 11.4% for ICE and 24.9% ± 12.5% for GV (P = 0.0001), while 3-year OS was 69.3% ± 10.6% and 74% ± 12.9% (P = 0.3), respectively. By multivariate analysis, regimen (P = 0.0001), time to relapse (P = 0.011), B-symptoms (P = 0.001), and leukocytosis (P = 0.007) were significant for EFS, while anemia (P = 0.008), and progressive disease on early response evaluation (P = 0.022) were significant for OS.

Conclusions

The ICE regimen had a better overall response rate and EFS, but higher toxicity, than GV; however, OS and mortality were similar.

Case Report: Brentuximab Vedotin Associated Acute Pancreatitis in a Pediatric Hodgkin Lymphoma Patient: Case Report and Literature Review

Brentuximab vedotin is a conjugate drug used mainly in Hodgkin lymphoma, systemic and primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphomas, and CD30-expressing peripheral T-cell lymphoma. We report a unique case of acute pancreatitis associated with brentuximab vedotin in a 17-year-old male patient suffering from classical Hodgkin lymphoma. Diagnosed in 2020, the patient was classified to an intermediate therapeutic group and disease’s grade was IIIAE. The patient was treated with brentuximab vedotin and bendamustine in the third line. Two weeks after the drug administration, the patient developed acute epigastric pain. Laboratory and radiological findings confirmed the clinical suspicion of acute pancreatitis that was managed with opioid pain medications, meropenem, parenteral nutrition, ondansetron and omeprazole. This is the first case report of brentuximab vedotin-associated acute pancreatitis in the pediatric patient reported in the literature to the best of our knowledge.

Overall and event-free survival of childhood lymphoma in Greece: analysis of harmonized clinical data over a 24-year active registration period

We assessed event-free (EFS) and overall (OS) survival in 676 incident cases of childhood Hodgkin (HL) and non-Hodgkin (NHL) lymphoma actively registered in Greece (1996-2019). HL-OS5-year was 96% and NHL-OS5-year 85%, whereas HL-EFS5-year was 86% and NHL-EFS5-year was 81%, notably similar to the respective OS rates (HL: 95%, NHL: 85%) in developed countries. For HL, older age at diagnosis, high maternal education and close proximity to treatment centers were linked to remarkably favorable outcomes. By contrast, stage IV patients showed worse OS and EFS. HL patients with low levels of hemoglobin were associated with worse EFS (hazard ratio: 2.81, 95% confidence intervals: 1.09-7.22). OS (76%) and EFS (73%) were poor among high-risk NHL patients and those with increased LDH (71%). The identified predictors of poor disease outcome point to the need for intensification of individualized treatments. Ongoing clinical cancer registration entailing clinical components could contribute to use of state-of-the-art treatments.

Clinicopathologic features and therapy outcome in childhood Hodgkin's lymphoma: a report from tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is lymphoid neoplasm usually affecting lymphatic system; it accounts 3.6% of cancers in Saudi Arabia. Modern treatment protocols had shown particular success rates in overall-survival (OS) and event-free-survival (EFS). In our study, we reviewed the medical records of 80 pediatric and young adolescent patients diagnosed HL from January 2006 to July 2020, treated at tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Demographic, clinical, and pathological data were explored. First line therapy was ABVD, COG, COPP, R-CHOP, or radiotherapy alone in 53/80 (66.4%), 24/80 (30%), 1/80 (1.2%), 1/80 (1.2%), or 1/80 (1.2%) patients; respectively. Response assessment was done by CT + / - PET scan after first 2 cycles then every 2 cycle and end of therapy. Another assessment was done if any clinical suspicion of recurrence.

RESULTS

Median age 11 (range 3-16) years. Males to females 1.3:1. Seventy-two out of eighty (90%) patients showed first complete remission (CR1) and maintained remission for median 40 (range 7-136) months. Eight out of eighty (10%) patients showed refractory disease. Nineteen patients received salvage therapy (ICE or ESHAP/brentuximab vedotin or gemcitabine/brentuximab vedotin), 14/19 (73.7%) had 2nd complete remission (CR2) for median time 24 (ranged 9-78) months, while 5/19 (26.3%) did not show any response. Five-year OS and EFS were 95% and 75%. Two patients had 2ry malignant neoplasms, one had AML and died, the other had malignant fibrous histocytoma and still alive. None of our patients had fertility problem. Also, they did not experience chronic pulmonary or cardiotoxicity. Classic Hodgkin's lymphoma: nodular sclerosis subtype was more prominent (55%) than mixed cellularity subtype (22.5%), which is similar to several European and US studies, lymphocyte rich (11.25%) and lymphocyte depleted (0%), while nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin's lymphoma (11.25%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provided unique descriptive study of childhood HL, in Saudi Arabia, with valuable insight into the long-term outcome and late toxicity. Our results are comparable to other studies in the Middle East and European countries.

Outcome and Prognostic Factors of Childhood Hodgkin Disease: Experience From a Single Tertiary Center in Thailand

In childhood, Hodgkin disease (HD) has an excellent outcome in developed countries. There are few studies on outcomes of HD from resource-limited countries. This study aimed to assess clinical outcomes and factors associated with survival rates of childhood HD in a tertiary care center in Thailand. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of pediatric HD patients between March 1985 and August 2017. Seventy-two children diagnosed with HD were identified. Pretreatment clinical and laboratory factors were assessed by Cox regression analysis to predict event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS). The overall 5-year EFS and OS rate was 70.7% and 75.5%, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified 3 factors predicting inferior EFS: high-risk group (stages III-B, IV-B), splenomegaly, and platelet count >400,000/µL. The prognostic markers were assigned a score of 1 for each factor. For a total score of 0, the 5-year EFS and OS rates were 95% and 86%; scores 2 to 3, 33% and 54%, respectively. In conclusion, our study identified 3 factors predicting inferior EFS. These adverse prognostic factors can be used in clinical practice for predicting outcomes in pediatric HD.

Assessment of tumor Epstein-Barr Virus status and its impact on outcomes in intermediate and high-risk childhood classic Hodgkin Lymphoma treated at a tertiary cancer center in India

Indian studies on EBV in childhood classic Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL) have mainly analyzed the epidemiology of EBV-positive [EBV(+)HL] or negative HL [EBV(-)HL], with limited data on outcomes. We studied a large cohort of children with intermediate and high-Risk cHL for tumor EBV status and its impact on outcomes retrospectively. Of evaluable 189 patients, 84.7% had EBV(+)HL. Positive status was significantly associated with age ≤ 10 years (p < .001), males (p = .015), non-Nodular Sclerosis (NS) histology (p = .004) and inversely with bulky-mediastinal disease (p < .001). At a median follow-up of 29-months (range1-75), 3-year Event-Free Survival (EFS) for EBV(+)HL and EBV(-)HL was 93.6%(95%CI:89.8%-97.5%), 81.1%(95%CI:67.2%-97.9%), (p = .048) and Overall Survival (OS) was 94.9%(95%CI:91.6%-98.4%), 84.6%(95%CI:71.5%-100%), (p = .075) respectively. Three-year EFS was better in males (HR-0.267,95%CI:0.078-0.916, p = .036) in EBV(+)HL and in patients with serum-albumin > 3g/dL (HR-0.117,95%CI:0.019-0.705, p = .019) in EBV(-)HL. EBV is associated with most of intermediate and high-risk childhood cHL, occurs in younger male patients with non-NS histology, with reduced incidence of bulky-mediastinal disease and favorable survival in childhood cHL.

Histology of pediatric classic Hodgkin lymphoma: From diagnosis to prognostic stratification

AIMS

Classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is a common malignancy of the pediatric age. Although clinical-radiological features are routinely used for disease risk stratification, the role of tumor histology has yet to be defined. This study aimed to characterize the clinical-pathological features of a large cohort of pediatric cHL specifically investigating the relevance of tumor histology for the prognostic stratification of patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The study considered 96 clinically annotated cases of pediatric cHL treated according to the AIEOP-LH2004 protocol. The following histological parameters were considered: (i) cHL variant; (ii) grade of nodular sclerosis (NS); (iii) staining for Bcl2 and p53, and expression of B-cell (BCA) and T-cell antigens (TCA) by Hodgkin/Reed-Sternberg cells. The study population consisted of 51 males and 45 females (median age: 13.6 years) with five-year overall and progression-free survival of 94% and 81%, respectively. Most cases featured NS morphology (96%) with a prevalence of NS1 over NS2 grades. Two NS2 variants were recognized (sarcomatous/syncytial and fibrohistiocytic). A consistent subset of cases disclosed positivity for BCA (34%), TCA (26%), p53 (13%), and Bcl2 (19%). Clinical-pathological correlations showed a more aggressive clinical course for NS2 over NS1 cases. The NS2 fibrohistiocytic variant was associated with the worst outcome. No other histological features correlated with prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric cHL is a clinically and histologically heterogeneous neoplasm. The majority of cases disclose NS morphology and aberrant phenotypes are frequently encountered. In the pediatric population, NS grading and NS2 subtyping bear significant prognostic impact.

Response and Relapses in Pediatric Hodgkin's Lymphoma Treated with Chemotherapy Alone

Aims: The aims of this study were to analyze the sociodemographic profile, disease characteristics, event-free survival (EFS), overall survival (OS), and risk factors for relapse in patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) treated with only chemotherapy as per unit protocol. Subject and Methods: Case records of children with HL diagnosed and treated at our center between January 2005 and December 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: A total of 90 patients with mean age of 8.13 ± 2.65 years (median age 8 years; range 4.5–15 years) were diagnosed and treated for HL during the study period. Male-to-female ratio was 7.2:1. Almost 12.2% and 87.8% of patients had early and advanced stage disease, respectively. B symptoms were present in 87.8% of patients. Mean duration of symptoms was 9.66 ± 6.30 months (median 8 months; range 2–36 months). Mixed cellularity was the most common histologic type. Multiagent chemotherapy was mainstay of treatment. OS and EFS were 88.8% and 84.5%, respectively. OS in patients with or without bulky disease was 53.3% and 92.2%, respectively. Older age (≥10 years), presence of bulky disease, low hemoglobin (≤7.0 g/dl), and high leukocyte count (≥12000/mm3) at the time of diagnosis, and protocol used (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone) were the risk factors for relapse. Conclusions: Our patient population had younger age, advanced disease, more B symptoms, and bulky disease. Still, we achieved good OS and EFS with chemotherapy-alone protocols. Patients with bulky disease had poor OS and EFS. If radiotherapy is included in the protocol for bulky disease, the survival rates can be improved further.

Stage at diagnosis for children with blood cancers in Australia: Application of the Toronto Paediatric Cancer Stage Guidelines in a population-based national childhood cancer registry

BACKGROUND

Information on stage at diagnosis for childhood blood cancers is essential for surveillance but is not available on a population basis in most countries. Our aim was to apply the internationally endorsed Toronto Paediatric Cancer Stage Guidelines to children (<15 years) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), or non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and to assess differences in survival by stage at diagnosis.

PROCEDURE

Stage was defined by extent of involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) for ALL and AML and using the Ann Arbor and St Jude-Murphy systems for HL and NHL, respectively. The study cohort was drawn from the population-based Australian Childhood Cancer Registry, consisting of children diagnosed with one of these four blood cancers between 2006 and 2014 with follow-up to 2015. Five-year observed survival was estimated from the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Stage was assigned to 2201 of 2351 eligible patients (94%), ranging from 85% for AML to 95% for ALL, HL, and NHL. Survival following ALL varied from 94% (95% CI = 93%-95%) for CNS1 disease to 89% (95% CI = 79%-94%) for CNS2 (P = 0.07), whereas for AML there was essentially no difference in survival between CNS^- (77%) and CNS⁺ disease (78%; P = 0.94). Nearly all children with HL survived for five years. There was a trend (P = 0.04) toward worsening survival with higher stage for NHL.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide the first population-wide picture of the distribution and outcomes for childhood blood cancers in Australia by extent of disease at diagnosis and provide a baseline for future comparisons.

Overview and outcome of Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Experience of a single developing country's oncology centre

Hodgkin's Lymphoma (HL) reveals variable epidemiological and clinico-pathological features in different geographical locations. In this retrospective study, we aimed to assess the epidemiological and clinic-pathological features, and outcome of HL patients treated at one hemato-oncology centre in Erbil, northern Iraq. Medical records of 103 HL patients treated over more than six years were reviewed. Treatment outcome was evaluated by measuring the 5-year overall and progression-free survival rates. The median age of patients was 23 years, children up to 17 years constituted 31.1%, and male to female ratio was 1:1.05. The majority (96.1%) of patients presented with lymphadenopathy. Nodular sclerosis subtype was the mostly encountered histologic type (48.5%); about half of the patients (49.5%) had stage II disease. Relapse occurred in 20 patients; the 5-year overall survival for children was better (89%) compared to adult patients (79%). The associated risk features found to have adverse effects on the survival, however, only high LDH level and presence of B-symptoms at presentation showed significant correlation. The epidemiological and clinical characteristics of HL in our locality followed the pattern in the western world. The 5-year overall and progression-free survivals were far below the international rates, a matter which may necessitate a revision to HL treatment strategy at our centre.

DcR3 combined with hematological traits serves as a valuable biomarker for the diagnosis of cancer metastasis

Decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) is abnormally up-regulated in many cancer cells. It may help cancer cells to escape from immune surveillance and establish metastatic lesions. However, whether DcR3 can be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis of cancer metastasis is unclear. In this study, sera from healthy controls and patients with different cancers were collected, and tested for their DcR3 levels by ELISA. Significantly elevated DcR3 levels were observed in the sera of patients with gastric cancer (2.04 ± 1.01, P = 0.0061), lymphoma (1.62 ± 0.75, P = 0.041), and breast cancer (1.53 ± 0.51, P = 0.023). DcR3 was found to be a suitable biomarker for identifying gastric cancer patients. Importantly, DcR3 was positively associated with platelet distribution width (PDW) (P = 2.45 × 10⁻⁶, R = 0.63) in metastatic cancers but negatively associated with hemoglobin (HGB) (P = 0.002, R = −0.59) and hematocrit (HCT) (P = 0.001, R = −0.62) in non-metastatic cancers. Combined with PDW, HGB and HCT, serum DcR3 could be used to predict the occurrence of cancer metastasis. These findings indicate that DcR3 could be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis of gastric cancer, and for cancer metastasis in combination with hematological traits.

Hodgkin lymphoma in adolescent and young adults: insights from an adult tertiary single-center cohort of 349 patients

Background

Adolescent and young adults (AYA) represent one third of patients affected by Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). These patients are frequently treated either with pediatric or adult protocol depending on their physician background. This population has been understudied so far, in terms of HL characteristics and treatment-associated outcomes.

Aim

We aimed to extensively describe HL features in the AYA population including HL characteristics, progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Methods

From 1979 to 2013, consecutive patients with HL aged between 15 to 25 years and followed at Saint-Louis Hospital were prospectively enrolled. Survivals were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

349 patients were included and studied, with a median follow-up of 7 years. The majority of patients were treated with adult protocols (mainly ABVD and BEACOPP). They presented adverse clinical characteristics with a high proportion of stage III and IV according to Ann Arbor classification (45 %), a high rate of B symptoms (46 %) and extra-nodal involvement (36 %). Despite these pejorative clinical features, the prognosis remains good with a 10-year PFS and OS estimated at 81.0 % (95%CI [76.7-85.5]) and 90.7% (95%CI [87.2-94.4]), respectively. In multivariate analysis, stages III and IV according to Ann Arbor classification, mixed cellularity histology, elevated neutrophils and LDH above range were independently associated with a worse PFS. We identified a subgroup of 11 primary refractory patients with a particularly poor prognosis. The toxicity rate was low (7.4 %).

Conclusion

Despite their baseline pejorative features, AYA with HL have a good prognosis. Progresses are still needed in order to reduce toxicities. Primary refractory patients with a particularly poor prognosis should be detected early in order to quickly introduce new targeted therapies.

Nuclear Medicine in Pediatric and Adolescent Tumors

Nuclear medicine has an important role in the management of many cancers in pediatric age group with multiple imaging modalities and radiopharmaceuticals targeting various biological uptake mechanisms. 18-Flourodeoxyglucose is the radiotracer of choice especially in patients with sarcoma and lymphoma. (18)FDG-PET, for sarcoma and lymphomas, is proved to be superior to conventional imaging in staging and therapy response. Although studies are limited in pediatric population, (18)FDG-PET/CT has found its way through international guidelines. Limitations and strengths of PET imaging must be noticed before adapting PET imaging in clinical protocols. Established new response criteria using multiple parameters derived from (18)FDG-PET would increase the accuracy and repeatability of response evaluation. Current data suggest that I-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) remains the tracer of choice in the evaluation of neuroblastoma (NB) because of its high sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic accuracy, and prognostic value. It is valuable in determining the response to therapy, surveillance for disease recurrence, and in selecting patients for I-131 therapy. SPECT/CT improves the diagnostic accuracy and the interpretation confidence of MIBG scans. (18)FDG-PET/CT is an important complementary to MIBG imaging despite its lack of specificity to NB. It is valuable in cases of negative or inconclusive MIBG scans and when MIBG findings underestimate the disease status as determined from clinical and radiological findings. F-18 DOPA is promising tracer that reflects catecholamine metabolism and is both sensitive and specific. F-18 DOPA scintigraphy provides the advantages of PET/CT imaging with early and short imaging times, high spatial resolution, inherent morphologic correlation with CT, and quantitation. Regulatory and production issues currently limit the tracer's availability. PET/CT with Ga-68 DOTA appears to be useful in NB imaging and may have a unique role in selecting patients for peptide receptor radionuclide therapy with somatostatin analogues. C-11 hydroxyephedrine PET/CT is a specific PET tracer for NB, but the C-11 label that requires an on-site cyclotron production and the high physiologic uptake in the liver and kidneys limit its use. I-124 MIBG is useful for I-131 MIBG pretherapeutic dosimetry planning. Its use for diagnostic imaging as well as the use of F-18 labeled MIBG analogues is currently experimental. PET/MR imaging is emerging and is likely to become an important tool in the evaluation. It provides metabolic and superior morphological data in one imaging session, expediting the diagnosis and lowering the radiation exposure. Radioactive iodines not only detect residual tissue and metastatic disease but also are used in the treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer. However, these are not well documented in pediatric age group like adult patients. Use of radioactivity in pediatric population is very important and strictly controlled because of the possibility of secondary malignities; therefore, management of oncological cases requires detailed literature knowledge. This article aims to review the literature on the use of radionuclide imaging and therapy in pediatric population with thyroid cancer, sarcomas, lymphoma, and NB.

Childhood Hodgkin International Prognostic Score (CHIPS) Predicts event-free survival in Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Report from the Children's Oncology Group

BACKGROUND

Early response to initial chemotherapy in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) measured by computed tomography (CT) and/or positron emission tomography (PET) after two to three cycles of chemotherapy may inform therapeutic decisions. Risk stratification at diagnosis could, however, allow earlier and potentially more efficacious treatment modifications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We developed a predictive model for event-free survival (EFS) in pediatric/adolescent HL using clinical data known at diagnosis from 1103 intermediate-risk HL patients treated on Children's Oncology Group protocol AHOD0031 with doxorubicin, bleomycin, vincristine, etoposide, prednisone, cyclophosphamide (ABVE-PC) chemotherapy and radiation. Independent predictors of EFS were identified and used to develop and validate a prognostic score (Childhood Hodgkin International Prognostic Score [CHIPS]). A training cohort was randomly selected to include approximately half of the overall cohort, with the remainder forming the validation cohort.

RESULTS

Stage 4 disease, large mediastinal mass, albumin (<3.5), and fever were independent predictors of EFS that were each assigned one point in the CHIPS.  Four-year EFS was 93.1% for patients with CHIPS = 0, 88.5% for patients with CHIPS = 1, 77.6% for patients with CHIPS = 2, and 69.2% for patients with CHIPS = 3.

CONCLUSIONS

CHIPS was highly predictive of EFS, identifying a subset (with CHIPS 2 or 3) that comprises 27% of intermediate-risk patients who have a 4-year EFS of <80% and who may benefit from early therapeutic augmentation.  Furthermore, CHIPS identified higher risk patients who were not identified by early PET or CT response. CHIPS is a robust and inexpensive approach to predicting risk in patients with intermediate-risk HL that may improve ability to tailor therapy to risk factors known at diagnosis.

Prognostic Factors and a New Prognostic Index Model for Children and Adolescents with Hodgkin's Lymphoma Who Underwent Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Multicenter Study of the Turkish Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation Study Group

Objective:

The prognostic factors and a new childhood prognostic index after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) in patients with relapsed/refractory Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) were evaluated.

Materials and Methods:

The prognostic factors of 61 patients who underwent AHSCT between January 1990 and December 2014 were evaluated. In addition, the Age-Adjusted International Prognostic Index and the Childhood International Prognostic Index (CIPI) were evaluated for their impact on prognosis.

Results:

The median age of the 61 patients was 14.8 years (minimum-maximum: 5-20 years) at the time of AHSCT. There were single relapses in 28 patients, ≥2 relapses in eight patients, and refractory disease in 25 patients. The chemosensitivity/chemorefractory ratio was 36/25. No pretransplant radiotherapy, no remission at the time of transplantation, posttransplant white blood cell count over 10x10³/µL, posttransplant positron emission tomography positivity at day 100, and serum albumin of <2.5 g/dL at diagnosis were correlated with progression-free survival. No remission at the time of transplantation, bone marrow positivity at diagnosis, and relapse after AHSCT were significant parameters for overall survival.

Conclusion:

The major factors affecting the progression-free and overall survival were clearly demonstrated. A CIPI that uses a lactate dehydrogenase level of 500 IU/L worked well for estimating the prognosis. We recommend AHSCT at first complete remission for relapsed cases, and it should also be taken into consideration for patients with high prognostic scores at diagnosis.

ABVD-Based Therapy for Hodgkin Lymphoma in Children and Adolescents: Lessons Learnt in a Tertiary Care Oncology Center in a Developing Country

BACKGROUND

As Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a highly curable malignancy, most current pediatric trials focus on strategies aimed at reducing late effects of therapy. We report our results with doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine (ABVD) therapy.

PROCEDURE

We retrospectively analyzed 17 years (1996-2013) data of patients ≤18 years of age with HL. All patients received ABVD chemotherapy and involved field radiotherapy (IFRT) was reserved for those with bulky disease or partial response. The analysis was carried out to assess overall survival (OS) and freedom from treatment failure (FFTF) and factors predicting the events.

RESULTS

Of 167 eligible patients, 72 (43.1%) had B symptoms, 28 (16.7%) had bulky disease, 31 (18.6%) had >4 lymph node regions, and 53 (31.8%) had advanced disease (stages III and IV). In all, 87% patients received six cycles of ABVD and IFRT was administered to 51 (30.5%) patients. The 5-year OS and FFTF were 95.9% and 79%, respectively, and were similar in patients treated with or without IFRT. On multivariable analysis, advanced disease (stages III and IV), involvement of >4 lymph node regions, and serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ≥500 IU/l at diagnosis were statistically significant factors for FFTF (P = 0.03, 0.003, 0.048, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The excellent survival of HL patients in the setting of a developing country reported in this retrospective analysis warrants treatment reduction, especially for early-stage patients. The use of risk- and response-based stratification incorporating disease stage, involved lymph node regions, and serum LDH, along with fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography-based response, may guide development of effective and less toxic protocols.

Socioeconomic Factors Impact Inpatient Mortality in Pediatric Lymphoma Patients

PURPOSE

Our objective was to determine the risk factors for inpatient mortality of pediatric patients diagnosed with lymphoma through the utilization of a large national pediatric database.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study uses data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database (HCUP KID) for the year of 2012 to estimate the risk factors for inpatient mortality for pediatric patients diagnosed with lymphoma. All patients diagnosed with lymphoma between the ages of one and 18 years were included. Chi-square test was used to analyze categorical variables. Independent t-test was used to analyze continuous variables.

RESULTS

A total of 2,908 study subjects with lymphoma were analyzed. Of those, 56.1% were male and the average age was three years old. Total inpatient mortality was 1.2% or 34 patients. We found that patients with four or more chronic conditions were much more likely to die while hospitalized (p < 0.0001). In addition, we also saw that patients with median household incomes below $47,999 dollars (p = 0.05) having a need for a major procedure (p = 0.008) were associated with inpatient mortality. Congestive heart failure, renal failure, coagulopathy, metastatic disease, and electrolyte abnormalities were all found to be associated with inpatient mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric lymphoma mortality in children is not only influenced by their medical condition but also by their socioeconomic condition as well.

Hodgkin lymphoma in children and adolescents: improving the therapeutic index

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a highly curable form of childhood cancer, with estimated 5 year survival rates exceeding 98%. However, the establishment of a “standard of care” approach to its management is complicated by the recognition that long-term overall survival declines in part from delayed effects of therapy and that there continue to be subgroups of patients at risk for relapse for which prognostic criteria cannot adequately define. This challenge has resulted in the development of various strategies aimed at identifying the optimal balance between maintaining overall survival and avoidance of long-term morbidity of therapy, often representing strategies quite different from those used for adults with HL. More precise risk stratification and methods for assessing the chemosensitivity of HL through imaging studies and biomarkers are in evolution. Recent advances in the understanding of the biology of HL have led to the introduction of targeted therapies in both the frontline and relapsed settings. However, significant barriers exist in the development of new combination therapies, necessitating collaborative studies across pediatric HL research consortia and in conjunction with adult groups for the adolescent and young adult (AYA) population with HL.

Hodgkin lymphoma in children and adolescents: improving the therapeutic index

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a highly curable form of childhood cancer, with estimated 5 year survival rates exceeding 98%. However, the establishment of a “standard of care” approach to its management is complicated by the recognition that long-term overall survival declines in part from delayed effects of therapy and that there continue to be subgroups of patients at risk for relapse for which prognostic criteria cannot adequately define. This challenge has resulted in the development of various strategies aimed at identifying the optimal balance between maintaining overall survival and avoidance of long-term morbidity of therapy, often representing strategies quite different from those used for adults with HL. More precise risk stratification and methods for assessing the chemosensitivity of HL through imaging studies and biomarkers are in evolution. Recent advances in the understanding of the biology of HL have led to the introduction of targeted therapies in both the frontline and relapsed settings. However, significant barriers exist in the development of new combination therapies, necessitating collaborative studies across pediatric HL research consortia and in conjunction with adult groups for the adolescent and young adult (AYA) population with HL.

Clinical Profile and Chemotherapy Response in Children with Hodgkin Lymphoma at a Tertiary Care Centre

INTRODUCTION

Optimal treatment strategy in children with advance stage Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) still remains controversial.

AIM

To evaluate the clinical profile and the efficacy of chemotherapy (CT) as a treatment modality in paediatric HL.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective case record evaluation of paediatric HL cases over 5 years (October 2005 to October 2010) period.

RESULTS

Thirty five cases (31 boys) with a median age of eight years were studied. 24 cases were <10-year-old, and 23 had late stage disease (stage III to IV). B-symptoms were present in 60%, bulky mediastinal disease in 25.7%, and spleen involvement in 60% cases. None had bone marrow involvement. Most common histological type was nodular sclerosis (28.6%). Most cases received ABVD/COPP or ABVD regimen. Two cases needed BEACOPP due to progressive disease, and 4 needed low-dose involved field radiotherapy (RT). At a mean (SD) extended event-free follow-up of 42.7(±17.1) months, four cases relapsed (one was lost to follow-up, and three were treated with chemotherapy and low-dose involved field RT). None died due to the disease.

CONCLUSION

Present study found systemic CT alone to be an effective therapy in childhood Hodgkin lymphoma. However, a small sample in present study limits the generalisability of these findings. The findings needs to be replicated in larger population, preferably randomized clinical trials, before any firm conclusion can be made.

Hodgkin lymphoma in childhood: clinicopathological features and therapy outcome at 2 centers from a developing country

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) accounts for 5% to 6% of all childhood cancer. It displays characteristic epidemiological, clinical, and pathological features according to various geographic areas. We aimed to assess the epidemiological aspects, clinicopathological features, and treatment outcome of pediatric HL treated at 2 Egyptian centers: Zagazig University Pediatric Oncology Unit and Benha Special Hospital Pediatric Oncology Unit. We carried a cross-sectional retrospective study by reviewing medical records for all patients admitted with the diagnosis of HL over 8 years in 2 oncology units during the period from January 2004 to January 2012. Age of the patients at presentation ranged from 3 to 14 years (median 6 years) and male: female ratio 1.7:1. Lymphadenopathy was the most common presentation (96.6%). Mixed cellularity subtype was dominant (50.8%), followed by nodular sclerosis (28.9%), lymphocyte-rich (18.6%) with lymphocyte depletion being the least dominant (1.7%). More than half of patients (55.9 %) had advanced disease (Ann Arbor stage III/IV disease). The duration of follow-up ranged from 5 to 87 months (mean 39.8 ± 24.1 months). The 5-year overall survival and event-free survival for patients were 96.6% and 84.7% respectively. In Egypt, HL occurs in young age group, with a higher incidence of mixed cellularity subtype and advanced disease. None of the clinical, epidemiological, or pathological characteristics had a significant association with the overall survival. The outcomes of HL in our 2 centers were satisfactory approaching the international percentage.

Hodgkin lymphoma in children and adolescents: improving the therapeutic index

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a highly curable form of childhood cancer, with estimated 5 year survival rates exceeding 98%. However, the establishment of a "standard of care" approach to its management is complicated by the recognition that long-term overall survival declines in part from delayed effects of therapy and that there continue to be subgroups of patients at risk for relapse for which prognostic criteria cannot adequately define. This challenge has resulted in the development of various strategies aimed at identifying the optimal balance between maintaining overall survival and avoidance of long-term morbidity of therapy, often representing strategies quite different from those used for adults with HL. More precise risk stratification and methods for assessing the chemosensitivity of HL through imaging studies and biomarkers are in evolution. Recent advances in the understanding of the biology of HL have led to the introduction of targeted therapies in both the frontline and relapsed settings. However, significant barriers exist in the development of new combination therapies, necessitating collaborative studies across pediatric HL research consortia and in conjunction with adult groups for the adolescent and young adult (AYA) population with HL.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria Pediatric Hodgkin Lymphoma

Pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma is a highly curable malignancy and potential long-term effects of therapy need to be considered in optimizing clinical care. An expert panel was convened to reach consensus on the most appropriate approach to evaluation and treatment of pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed every 2 years by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and review include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures by the panel. In those instances where evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used to recommend imaging or treatment. Four clinical variants were developed to assess common clinical scenarios and render recommendations for evaluation and treatment approaches to pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma. We provide a summary of the literature as well as numerical ratings with commentary. By combining available data in published literature and expert medical opinion, we present a consensus to the approach for management of pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma.

Treatment outcome in children and adolescents with relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma--results of the UK HD3 relapse treatment strategy

The purpose of this national retrospective study was to evaluate the outcome in children with relapsed or primary refractory Hodgkin lymphoma [HL] after a primary chemotherapy alone treatment strategy. Between 2000 and 2005, 80 children with relapsed [n = 69] or primary refractory [n = 11] HL were treated on a standardized treatment protocol of 4-6 cycles of EPIC [etoposide, prednisolone, ifosfamide and cisplatin] chemotherapy. Radiotherapy was recommended to all relapsed sites. High dose therapy with stem cell rescue [SCT] was recommended for patients with poor response. The 5-year overall survival [OS] and progression-free survival from relapse was 75·8% [64·8-83·9] and 59·9% [48·3-69·7] respectively. Duration of first remission was strongly associated with OS; risk of death was decreased by 53% [Hazard ratio (HR): 0·47, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0·19-1·18] for those with a time from end of treatment to relapse of 3-12 months (compared to <3 months) and reduced by 80% (HR 0·20, 95% CI: 0·04-0·90) for those >12 months after end of treatment. Other poor prognostic factors included advanced stage disease at relapse and B symptoms at first diagnosis. The most important factor associated with salvage failure was time to relapse. Survival outcome in children with primary refractory HL is poor.

[Pediatric Hodgkin disease in North Tunisia: clinical and therapeutic study]

PURPOSE

To assess the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of pediatric Hodgkin disease (HD) and to study prognosis factors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of children (≤18 years) with HD treated between 1st January 1994 and 31st December 2004. Chemotherapy was undertaken in different departments of hematology and oncology in the North of the country and radiotherapy was centralized at the Salah-Azaïz National Cancer Institute.

RESULTS

One hundred fourteen consecutively treated patients were collected. Median age was 12 years (4-18 years) and sex-ratio was 2.25. Peripheral lymphadenopathy was the predominant circumstance of HD detection (82.5%). The predominant histologic type was nodular sclerosing (56%). Treatment included chemotherapy and involved-field radiotherapy. With a mean follow-up of 23.5 months, relapse rate was 12.2%. Five-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) rates were 95% and 76%, respectively. Five-year OS was 98.2% and 90.8% for early and advanced stages respectively. In multivariate analysis, stage IV (P=0.029) and early response to initial treatment (P=0.003) retained statistical significance for EFS whereas the only prognostic factor for OS was stage IV (P=0.002). The long-term side effects were rare. No secondary tumor was noted.

CONCLUSION

Combined-modality therapy using chemotherapy and involved-field radiotherapy was effective and well-tolerated in early stage pediatric HD. Stage IV patients should be referred to specialized units for intensive treatment. The short median follow-up in our study cannot allow considering long-term effects.

Hodgkin disease relapse discovered at the time of liver transplant for acute liver failure

Lymphoma is a recognized cause of liver damage and in rare instances presents as ALF. In such cases, the underlying malignancy is often difficult to detect. Historically, the prognosis has been poor. Cure has occasionally been achieved with chemotherapy alone. LT in this setting is controversial, but has contributed to successful outcomes, as in the case of the five-yr-old girl reported here.

Classical Hodgkin's lymphoma arising in different host's conditions: pathobiology parameters, therapeutic options, and outcome

Epidemiologic and molecular findings suggest that classical Hodgkin's lymphoma (CHL) is not a single disease but consists of more than one entity and may occur in different clinical settings. This review analyzes similarities and disparities among CHL entities arising in different host's conditions with respect to pathobiology parameters, therapeutic options, and outcome. For the purpose of this analysis, CHL entities have been subdivided according to the immune status of the host. In nonimmunosuppressed hosts, according to the age, CHL include pediatric, adult, and elderly forms, whereas, in immunosuppressed hosts, according to the type of immunosuppression, CHL include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated, iatrogenic, and post-transplant types. CHL entities in different settings are similar in morphology of neoplastic cells, expression of activation markers, and aberrations/activation of NFKB, JAK/STAT, and P13K/AKT pathways, but differ in the association with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, persistent B-cell phenotype, and cellular background composition. Large B-cell lymphomas resembling CHL may also be observed in the same clinical settings. These lesions, however, do not fulfill the diagnostic criteria of CHL and clinically display a very aggressive behavior. In this article, current treatment options for the CHL entities, especially for elderly CHL and HIV-associated CHL, are specifically reviewed. ABVD remains the gold standard both in nonimmunosuppressed or immunosuppressed hosts even if there are several data suggesting a possible improvement in outcome using the aggressive BEACOPP regimen in advanced stages. Refractory CHL, a clinical condition that may occur throughout the entire spectrum of CHL, is discussed separately.

Screening for radiation sensitizers of Drosophila checkpoint mutants

Anti-cancer therapy is largely comprised of radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy treatments. Although a single mode of therapy can be effective in treating certain types of cancer, none presents a cure. Multi-modal therapy, the use of two or more agents in combination (e.g., radiation and chemotherapy together), shows potential for a more effective treatment of cancer. The challenge then is identifying effective therapy combinations. In this chapter, we describe the use of Drosophila as a whole animal in vivo model to screen for small molecules that effectively combine with ionizing radiation to kill checkpoint mutants preferentially over wild-type. The differential use of wild-type and checkpoint mutants has the potential to identify molecules that act in a genotype-specific manner to eradicate checkpoint mutant tissues when combined with radiation, while sparing wild-type tissues.

Comparing adult and pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program, 1988-2005: an analysis of 21 734 cases

We analyzed data from 18 898 adults (age ≥20 years) and 2836 children/adolescents reported in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database as having Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), diagnosed from 1988 to 2005. The nodular sclerosis subtype was significantly more common in the pediatric age group (76% in children/adolescents vs. 61% in adults, p < 0.001). The mixed cellularity subtype was more prevalent in children <10 years old (22%), but less likely in older children/adolescents (8.5%). Systemic symptoms were reported in 39% of children/adolescents and in 48% of adults (p < 0.001). Children/adolescents had significantly better HL-specific survival than adults (5-year survival rate, 96% ± 0.4% vs.88% ± 0.3%, p < 0.001). Using a Cox proportional-hazards regression model in patients with classical HL, the prognostic factors significantly impacting survival were age, histology, stage, B symptoms, year of diagnosis, and race. The only adverse prognostic factors that were significant when this analysis was restricted to children/adolescents were stage IV disease and the presence of B symptoms. In conclusion, several differences in clinicopathologic features and outcomes were identified between children/adolescents and adults with HL, and this was particularly noted in young children (<10 years).

Initial response to salvage therapy determines prognosis in relapsed pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma patients

BACKGROUND

Pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a highly curable disease; however, prognostic factors for the survival of patients who develop recurrent disease have not been clearly defined.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of 50 pediatric patients with HL who relapsed or progressed between 1990 and 2006 and who were retrieved with intense cytoreductive treatment regimens followed by autologous stem cell transplantation and radiation therapy. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine risk factors for second treatment failure and death.

RESULTS

The median patient age was 16.1 years (range, 4.9-22.1 years) at the time of HL diagnosis. Fifteen patients developed progressive disease during therapy, 14 patients relapsed early, and 21 patients relapsed late. Patients who remained alive at the time of this study had been followed for a median of 4.4 years (range, 1.2-16.6 years). The 5-year overall survival rate for patients who had an inadequate response (n = 14) to initial salvage therapy was only 17.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.1%-42.5%) compared with 97.2% (95% CI, 81.9%-99.6%) for patients who responded (n = 36; P < .0001). In a multivariate Cox regression analysis of overall survival, an inadequate response to initial salvage therapy was the only significant variable (hazard ratio, 43.6; 95% CI, 5.4-354; P = .0004).

CONCLUSIONS

The current results indicated that pediatric patients with relapsed HL who have an inadequate response after initial primary salvage chemotherapy have a very poor prognosis and should be considered for novel therapies directed at biologic or immunologic targets.

Current approaches to the management of pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the few cancers that affect both adults and children. Cure rates for Hodgkin lymphoma remain among the best for pediatric cancers. However, cure is often associated with significant delayed effects of therapy, including an elevated risk for second malignancies, cardiotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity, and gonadal and non-gonadal endocrine dysfunction. Therefore, the aim of current treatment strategies is to further improve outcomes while minimizing therapy-related complications. At diagnosis, patients are classified into risk groups based on disease stage, and the presence of clinical, biologic, and serologic risk factors. In general, the most recent trials have intensified therapy in those patients with high-risk disease to improve disease control, and have limited therapy in those patients with low-risk disease to avoid secondary effects. In low-risk patients, multiple studies have been conducted to investigate limiting either radiation therapy or chemotherapy to prevent long-term side effects without affecting the excellent cure rate. In intermediate- and high-risk patients, many studies have examined intensifying therapy to improve event-free survival rates. In addition, response assessment by fluorine-18-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) may be particularly important in pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma; it may allow modification of treatment to maximize treatment efficacy and minimize late effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Despite the improvements in treatment for all stages of Hodgkin lymphoma, there is still a subgroup of patients who do not enter remission with initial therapy or relapse after initial response to therapy. Unfortunately, standard-dose salvage chemotherapy for relapsed disease has disappointing results in terms of overall survival since patients have typically already received intensive therapy. While there is no standard of care in terms of salvage chemotherapy, high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) rescue has become the standard of care for the majority of children with relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma. The use of allogeneic transplantation is controversial in relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma; because of the high transplant-related mortality, allogeneic transplant has not been associated with improved overall survival over ASCT. As more has been learned about the biologic mechanisms involved in Hodgkin lymphoma, biologically-based therapies are being investigated for use in this disease, both at initial diagnosis and relapse. Both immunotherapy and small molecules are being studied as possible therapeutic agents in Hodgkin lymphoma. Unfortunately, the vast majority of investigations of novel agents have occurred exclusively in adult patients. However, since pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma and adult Hodgkin lymphoma are similar, these results may potentially be extrapolated to pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma.

Pediatric head and neck malignancies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Although head and neck masses represent a common entity in children, malignancy is uncommon. The otolaryngologist may be the first physician to see these children, and early recognition of malignancy is of obvious importance. This review aims to discuss the cause, diagnosis, investigation, treatment options, and prognosis for the most common head and neck malignancies of childhood.

RECENT FINDINGS

Over recent years, significant developments have been made in characterizing the epidemiologic, phenotypic, and genotypic variability of childhood head and neck cancers. Improved awareness of tumor biology is reflected by more sophisticated diagnostics, estimates of prognosis, and an increasing individualization of treatment regimens.

SUMMARY

The latest evidence for the diagnosis and management of childhood head and neck malignancy is summarized. The rarity of these tumors inevitably results in a paucity of high-level evidence to guide treatment. A combination of translational research from tumor biology studies, multicenter clinical trials, and smaller case series and case reports will continue to guide new advances in diagnosis and treatment.

The treatment of childhood Hodgkin lymphoma: improved survival in a developing country

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the clinical characteristics, treatment regimens, and outcome of children with Hodgkin lymphoma in a developing country over a period of 34 years.

METHODS

This paper retrospectively evaluates the treatment and prognosis of 614 children with Hodgkin lymphoma disease between 1971 and 2005. All patients were treated with chemotherapy, and also received radiotherapy.

RESULTS

There were 452 males and 162 females with a median age of 8 years (2 to 21); 183 patients had B symptoms. There were 165, 185, 145, and 119 patients in stage I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Histopathologic subtypes were mixed cellularity (344 patients), nodular sclerosis (90), lymphocytic predominance (62), lymphocytic depletion (46), unclassified types (69), and nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (3). Overall (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) rates were 83 and 60%, though OS rates varied according to chemotherapy protocol; age; presence of B symptoms, leukocytosis, anemia, and extranodal involvement; and stage at diagnosis. Over the years, the median age of patients increased, as did the frequency of the nodular sclerosing type of disease.

CONCLUSIONS

This is one of the largest series in a single center. The increase in the median age and in the frequency of the nodular-sclerosing type are thought to be related to the development status of Turkey. The ABVD protocol yielded the best survival rates and should be used for treatment of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma.

Clinical characteristics and outcome of pediatric patients with stage IV Hodgkin lymphoma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

While treatment outcomes for patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) have improved remarkably, patients with disseminated disease still have a poorer outcome. stage IV HL is often reported with other ‘advanced stage’ categories, confusing the specific contribution of disease dissemination to the outcome. This single-institution report looks at characteristics and outcomes of this specific category.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

The medical records of pediatric HL patients (<14 years) from 1975 through 2003 were retrospectively reviewed and the data analyzed.

RESULTS:

Stage IV patients (n=67) had more poor-risk characteristics than patients in stages I-III (n=300) (B symptoms 86.6% vs. 19.3%, bulky disease 57.6% vs. 45.5% and mediastinal mass 77.6% vs. 29.7%; P<.001 for all characteristics). The liver was the most common extralymphatic site (in 51.5% of patients with stage IV disease. Stage IV patients received chemotherapy (CT) alone (n=55) or combined modality therapy (CMT) (n=12). Fifty-four patients (80.6%) achieved complete remission, 2 (3%) partial remission, 10 (14.9%) had progressive disease and 1 was lost to follow up. Overall survival was 79.4% and event-free survival (EFS) was 63.9% at 5 years. There was a non-significant benefit for CMT (OS=91.7% v. 77.1%, P=.3; EFS=70.7% v. 62.7%, p=.3). Ten of 12 relapsed and only 1 of 10 progressive disease patients were salvaged. On multivariate analysis, failure to achieve complete remission with CT was associated with a poorer outcome.

CONCLUSION:

Stage IV disease is associated with poor risk features and confers a worse outcome than stage I-III disease. Achievement of complete remission with CT is an important prognostic feature. Slow responders may require novel and/or aggressive therapy to achieve complete remission.

Developing anticancer chemotherapy services in a developing country: Hodgkin lymphoma experience

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Reporting on how the cancer treatment facilities were developed at a medical college hospital in India and the profile and outcome of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) at this new center were the objectives of the study.

METHODS

Patients under 18 years with a diagnosis of HL were evaluated using abdominal ultrasonography, CT scan examination of chest, abdomen and pelvis and bone marrow examination. Most patients were treated with combination chemotherapy. Departments of Radiodiagnosis and Pathology were involved for evaluation. Radiotherapy when required was made available at a nearby hospital.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients between 1.2 and 18 years (median age 7 years) were diagnosed as HL during the study period. Advanced disease (Stage IIb or more) was present in 83% cases. Mixed cellularity was the commonest histological subtype (50.5%). Primary therapy used was COPP in 29 (83%) cases. Of the 34 patients who received treatment 30 showed initial good response to therapy. One patient responded to ABVD after having progression on COPP. Of 31 responders, 4 relapsed. Twenty-seven patients (80%) are surviving free of disease for a median follow up of 4.5 years (range 1.5-18 years). Chemotherapy was well tolerated. Febrile neutropenia occurred in four cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric HL in India was characterized by advanced disease at presentation. Mixed-cellularity was the predominant histological subtype. An effective program was developed with initial attention to patients with HL.